My name is Saira and I am a farmer aka rancher-homeschool teacher. My family and I raise livestock (chickens, ducks, cows, goats, sheep, and pigs). We operate Purpose Driven Family Farm, a small-scale farm that sells meats and produce at various Farmers Markets in the area. I am also a homeschool teacher to both of our kids (Rebekah 11yrs old and Michael 9 yrs old). Our farming life really started from a desire to give our children the best (foods/education), teaching them where it all started.
My husband, AJ, started our first farm as a hobby (an expensive hobby) while stationed in Hawaii. He started with Aquaponics, (which is growing plants with fish). AJ traveled a lot, which meant that I had to step in and learn how to handle all of the systems while he was gone. During this time, I began homeschooling the kids who were just 4yr old and 2yr old at that time. Aquaponics became something we did and learned about together. Learning about the systems, the fish and the plants was a perfect addition to our homeschool curriculum, and the kids really enjoyed it. While still in Hawaii, I remember asking my husband what he wanted to be when he grew up, meaning (when he retired from the military). His response was simple, “I want to go into farming”. I responded, “ok- sure”. I will ask you again in a few months.
We moved back to North Carolina in 2016, after purchasing some land right outside of Fort Bragg. I was still thinking the “hobby” would continue on a very small scale. My kids were so obsessed with chickens. In 2017, my husband brought home two piglets and three sheep. When I asked what he was thinking, he tried convincing me that the piglets would help clear the wooded area, and the sheep would help with the mowing of the open field area. I had ZERO experience in raising livestock. I had ZERO experience farming.
You see, we are first-generation farmers/ranchers. I went to school for Business Management, not Agriculture. I have to say starting a farm from scratch without knowing what it would entail, it’s NOT easy! However, we did it anyway! Being the person I am (a business-minded/teacher). I/we had to have a clear goal, mission, and purpose. After what I felt was a soul-searching journey, we found our purpose, our goal, and our mission. I wanted our children to know where their food came from; I wanted them to appreciate what it meant to grow our food, to raise our own meat, and most importantly I wanted them to respect it all. Our purpose is to be the best stewards of our land, our animals, and everything that has been given to us.
In 2018, after serving 24 years, my husband retired from Active Duty and our farming as a hobby. It was not until the end of the year, that I decided to make this hobby a business. I began to explore Farmers Markets and researching how to start putting ourselves out there with our products. We do things differently on our farm. We raise livestock using organic/non-GMO/natural methods.
Meanwhile, as we were working on getting our farm business started I was still homeschooling full-time. I would wake up early feed all the livestock, and start our classes as early as possible. I was teaching first grade and K-4. This year we started our 7th year. My oldest started 6th grade and my son started 4th grade. I will not lie and say it’s easy to carry a full load of a farm business, rental property, and homeschool full-time. My kids have learned so much about agriculture, and continue to learn every. They are learning the value of hard work; they are appreciating where their food comes from. Learning how to care for our animals, how to be the best stewards. My daughter (6th grader) wants to go to college to be a veterinarian so that she can work on the farm and help in caring for our livestock. My son (4th grader) loves planting, loves to spend all his time out in the field. I truly feel that this life experience we are allowing them to live and see as they are growing up is so vital for them. They go to every market that we are part of weekly. They help me unload and set up before each market, they help sales during the market, and they help with the taking down and load back up. Operating Purpose Driven Family Farm is truly a family affair. Has it been an easy ride? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! Being a farmer is not, but more than that being a Woman Farmer is a little harder. I am determined to teach my daughter that women CAN and DO farm too. That is the plus to being able to homeschool while living our best farm life. I am a believer that the best example I can give my children is by showing them, and not just telling them. Leading by example.
PS. Don’t forget to check out my interview with Saira here.